Zimride, a Silicon Valley start-up, allows people that need rides and people with cars traveling the same route to find each other.

The New York Times reports that, as an alternative to transit or intercity buses and trains, ride sharing is becoming more popular and easier as more people carry smart phones, tablets, and laptops.

“The company facilitates ride-sharing by matching passengers with drivers who have empty seats and are planning to travel the same route. Zimride offers suggestions, but drivers are free to set whatever rates they want for the public routes. Vehicle occupants are covered by whatever insurance policy the vehicle owner holds.

“Public transportation is broken,” Zimride co-founder and chief executive Logan Green said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. “We’re trying to create the next form that works.”